Methods of reading and manufacturing industrial diagnostic gauges for reading in no light and low light conditions

ABSTRACT

The invention is directed to industrial diagnostic gauges that are utilized in industrial applications. Examples include pressure and temperature gauges utilized in petrochemical plants. The industrial diagnostic gauges include luminescent materials and reflective materials to facilitate accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauges in low and no light conditions from distances greater than 4 feet. Broadly, the industrial diagnostic gauges include a housing, a diagnostic member, a face having at least one marking, at least one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, a clear window and a retaining ring. The face preferably includes at least one luminescent material and the at least one marking and the at least one hand each include at least one reflective material. Methods of reading industrial diagnostic gauges and methods of manufacturing industrial diagnostic gauges are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention is directed to diagnostic gauges that are utilizedin industrial applications, and in particular, to diagnostic gaugesutilized in industrial locations that can be viewed and read in low andno light conditions.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] Industrial diagnostic gauges, or diagnostic gauges, are requiredin numerous industrial applications. Many of these applications requirethe diagnostic gauges to be placed in locations that are difficult for aperson to access. For example, a diagnostic gauge may be located in aradioactive or other hazardous location, e.g., nuclear power plants,biohazard laboratories; disposed high above the ground, e.g., on a towerof a petrochemical plant; located in close proximity to moving parts ofa machine, or any other location that restricts a person desiring toread the diagnostic gauge from safely and easily approaching thediagnostic gauge.

[0005] The necessity of a person attempting to read the diagnostic gaugeto get as close as possible to the diagnostic gauge is increased duringtimes when little or no light is present, e.g., at night, when overheadlighting, either natural, e.g., sunlight, or artificial light, isunavailable, or when the diagnostic gauges are placed in obstructedareas. Generally, a diagnostic gauge cannot be accurately read atdistances greater than about four feet when little or no light ispresent. Under these conditions, the person must taken specialprecautions to approach the diagnostic gauge, e.g., put on specialclothing to enter radioactive areas or read the diagnostic gauges ininclement weather; or climb ladders to reach the diagnostic gaugedisposed high above the ground. Further, many times locating adiagnostic gauge desired to be read in low or no light conditions isvery difficult.

[0006] Prior attempts to address the problem of reading diagnosticgauges in low or no light have been directed at adding either externallighting or internal lighting to the diagnostic gauge. External lightingrequires leaving overhead lights on at all times or placing additionallighting focused on the diagnostic gauge. Internal lighting requireswiring the diagnostic gauge with electrical circuitry and/or batteries,to illuminate the diagnostic dial, or face. Both of these approachesincrease the cost of the diagnostic gauge and/or the construction andmaintenance of the additional wiring and equipment. In another priorattempt, the face and markings on the face of the diagnostic gaugeutilize contrasting colors. For example, in one prior attempt, the faceis white and the markings are black. In another attempt, the face isblack in the markings are white. Neither of these prior approachessufficiently assist a person to read the diagnostic gauge from adistance under low and no light conditions.

[0007] Accordingly, prior to the development of the present invention,there has been no industrial diagnostic gauge that can be read in low orno light conditions, method of reading an industrial diagnostic gauge inlow or no light conditions, and method of manufacturing an industrialdiagnostic gauge, which: do not require the presence of an electricallight source located internally within, or externally in close proximityto, the industrial diagnostic gauge; do not substantially increase thecost of the industrial diagnostic gauge; permit the industrialdiagnostic gauge to be easily located; and permit the industrialdiagnostic gauge to be read from a distance. Therefore, the art hassought an industrial diagnostic gauge that can be read in low or nolight conditions, method of reading an industrial diagnostic gauge inlow or no light conditions, and method of manufacturing an industrialdiagnostic gauge, which: do not require the presence of an electricallight source located internally within, or externally in close proximityto, the industrial diagnostic gauge; do not substantially increase thecost of the industrial diagnostic gauge; permit the industrialdiagnostic gauge to be easily located; and permit the industrialdiagnostic gauge to be read from a distance.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0008] In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages havebeen achieved through the present industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face, wherein the faceincludes at least one luminescent material; and at least one handoperatively associated with the diagnostic member.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theat least one hand may include at least one reflective material. Inanother embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, the face mayinclude at least one marking. In still another embodiment of theindustrial diagnostic gauge, the at least one marking may include atleast on reflective material. In an additional embodiment of theindustrial diagnostic gauge, the industrial diagnostic gauge may measurepressure. In still another embodiment of the industrial diagnosticgauge, the industrial diagnostic gauge may measure temperature.

[0010] In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face having at least onemarking, wherein the at least one marking includes at least onereflective material; and at least one hand operatively associated withthe diagnostic member.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theat least one hand may include at least one reflective material. Inanother embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, the face mayinclude at least one luminescent material. In an additional embodimentof the industrial diagnostic gauge, the industrial diagnostic gauge maymeasure pressure. In still another embodiment of the industrialdiagnostic gauge, the industrial diagnostic gauge may measuretemperature.

[0012] In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face; and at least onehand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, wherein the atleast one hand includes at least one reflective material.

[0013] In a further embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theface may include at least one luminescent material. In anotherembodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, the face may include atleast on marking. In an additional embodiment of the industrialdiagnostic gauge, the industrial diagnostic gauge may measure pressure.In still another embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theindustrial diagnostic gauge may measure temperature.

[0014] In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face, wherein the faceincludes at least one reflective material; and at least one handoperatively associated with the diagnostic member.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theat least one hand may include at least one luminescent material. Inanother embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, the face mayinclude at least one marking. In an additional embodiment of theindustrial diagnostic gauge, the at least one marking may include atleast one luminescent material.

[0016] In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face having at least onemarking, wherein the at least one marking includes at least oneluminescent material; and at least one hand operatively associated withthe diagnostic member.

[0017] In a further embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theat least one hand may include at least one luminescent material. Inanother embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, the face mayinclude at least one reflective material.

[0018] In accordance with the invention the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face; and at least onehand operatively associated with the diagnostic member, wherein the atleast one hand includes at least one luminescent material.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the industrial diagnostic gauge, theface may include at least one marking. In an additional embodiment ofthe industrial diagnostic gauge, the at least one marking may include atleast one luminescent material. In another embodiment of the industrialdiagnostic gauge, the face may include at least one reflective material.

[0020] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of reading a diagnosticgauge in low or no light conditions comprising the steps of: providingan industrial diagnostic gauge having a housing, a diagnostic member, aface, and at least one hand, wherein the face includes at least onemarking having at least one reflective material; reflecting light off ofthe at least one marking; and identifying the position of the at leastone hand relative to the at least one marking.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the method of reading a diagnosticgauge in low light conditions may include shining light onto the atleast one marking from a position located a distance away from theindustrial diagnostic gauge.

[0022] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of reading a diagnosticgauge in low or no light conditions comprising the steps of: providingan industrial diagnostic gauge having a housing, a diagnostic member, aface, and at least one hand, wherein the hand includes at least onereflective material; reflecting light off of the at least one marking;and identifying the position of the at least one hand.

[0023] In a further embodiment of the method of reading a diagnosticgauge in low light conditions may include shining light onto the atleast one hand from a position located a distance away from theindustrial diagnostic gauge.

[0024] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge comprising the steps of: applying at leastone luminescent material to a face of the industrial diagnostic gauge;connecting the face to a diagnostic member; and disposing the diagnosticmember and face within a housing.

[0025] In another embodiment of the method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge, the at least one luminescent material isapplied to the face by coating the face with the luminescent material.In a further embodiment of the method of manufacturing an industrialdiagnostic gauge, the at least one luminescent material is applied tothe face by combining the luminescent material with at least one clearpaint to form a luminescent paint and coating the face with theluminescent paint. In an additional embodiment of the method ofmanufacturing an industrial diagnostic gauge, the face is coated withthe luminescent paint by spraying. In still another embodiment of themethod of manufacturing an industrial diagnostic gauge, the at least oneclear paint is clear acrylic paint. In a further embodiment of themethod of manufacturing an industrial diagnostic gauge, the at least oneluminescent material is applied to the face of the diagnostic member bycombining the luminescent material with a material that forms the face.

[0026] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge comprising the steps of: applying at leastone reflective material to a hand of the industrial diagnostic gauge;connecting the hand to a diagnostic member; and disposing the diagnosticmember and the hand within a housing.

[0027] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge comprising the steps of: applying at leastone reflective material to a face of the industrial diagnostic gauge;connecting the face to a diagnostic member; and disposing the diagnosticmember and face within a housing.

[0028] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge comprising the steps of: applying at leastone luminescent material to a hand of the industrial diagnostic gauge;connecting the hand to a diagnostic member; and disposing the diagnosticmember and the hand within a housing.

[0029] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge comprising the steps of: applying at leastone reflective material to at least one marking on a face of theindustrial diagnostic gauge; connecting the face to a diagnostic member;and disposing the diagnostic member and the face within a housing.

[0030] In accordance with the invention, the foregoing advantages havealso been achieved through the present method of manufacturing anindustrial diagnostic gauge comprising the steps of: applying at leastone luminescent material to at least one marking on a face of theindustrial diagnostic gauge; connecting the face to a diagnostic member;and disposing the diagnostic member and the face within a housing.

[0031] The industrial diagnostic gauge that can be read in low or nolight conditions, method of reading a diagnostic gauge in low or nolight conditions, and method of manufacturing an industrial diagnosticgauge have the advantages of: not requiring the presence of anelectrical light source located internally within, or externally inclose proximity to, the industrial diagnostic gauge; not substantiallyincreasing the cost of the industrial diagnostic gauge; permitting theindustrial diagnostic gauge to be easily located; and permitting theindustrial diagnostic gauge to be read from a distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0032]FIG. 1 is a perspective exploded view of an industrial diagnosticgauge of the present invention.

[0033]FIG. 2 is a front view of the face of the industrial diagnosticgauge shown in FIG. 1.

[0034] While the invention will be described in connection with thepreferred embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended tolimit the invention to that embodiment. On the contrary, it is intendedto cover all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as may beincluded within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by theappended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION AND SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The present invention relates to industrial diagnostic gauges, ordiagnostic gauges, that can be read under low, or no light conditions,and can be read at distances up to at least 10 feet. Diagnostic gaugesare herein defined as pressure gauges, differential gauges, bi-metalthermometers, glass industrial thermometers, surface thermometers, gasactuated thermometers, vapor tension thermometers, level gauges, or anyother diagnostic gauge utilized in industrial applications.

[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, broadly, an industrial diagnosticgauge 40 includes a housing 41, a diagnostic member 42, a face 43, andat least on needle, or hand, 50. Face 43 includes a top surface 51.

[0037] Hand 50 is operatively associated with diagnostic member 42.Accordingly, as diagnostic member 42 is activated, e.g., the pressure ortemperature increases or decreases, the at least one hand 50 moves, orpoints, to quantitatively indicate the level of whatever the industrialdiagnostic gauge is designed to measure, e.g., the pressure ortemperature. Preferably, the at least one hand 50 point relative to atleast one marking 60 disposed on face 43. In the embodiment shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, hand 50 is permitted to move in a clockwise direction(arrow 66) and a counter-clockwise direction (arrow 77).

[0038] Industrial diagnostic gauge 40 may also include a gasket 44, aclear window 45, and a retaining ring 46. Housing 41, diagnostic member42, face 43, gasket 44, clear window 45, and retaining ring 46 may beany shape and manufactured out of any material desired or necessarydepending upon the application in which the diagnostic gauge 40 will beutilized. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, diagnostic member 42 measurespressure. Therefore, diagnostic gauge 40 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is apressure gauge. It is to be understood that diagnostic member 42 may beany industrial diagnostic device known to persons of ordinary skill inthe art. For example, diagnostic member 42 may measure temperature. Inthese embodiments, the diagnostic gauge is a temperature gauge.

[0039] As mentioned above, disposed along top surface 51 of face 43 ispreferably at least one marking 60. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, numerousmarkings 60 are disposed along the perimeter of face 43. Preferably,markings 60 are incremental. In other words, each marking 60 representsa specific, and identical, increase or decrease in the reading providedby the diagnostic member 42, e.g., 10 degrees or 5 psi (FIG. 2).Markings 60 may be printed on, or affixed to, the face 43 using anymethod or device known to persons skilled in the art. In one embodiment,markings 60 are formed using paint. In another embodiment, markings 60are formed using stickers. In still another embodiment, markings 60 areformed using luminescent materials that glow, or illuminate, without thepresence of external or internal light sources. While numerousluminescent materials are contemplated to be acceptable, one suitableluminescent material is NIGHTLIGHT20™, a phosphorescent powder sold byDORAK International Corporation. In this embodiment, direct light orambient light charges, or energizes, the luminescent material which thenglows or illuminates in low light and no light conditions permitting aperson to read the markings at distances of at least about 10 feetwithout assistance from internal or external lighting.

[0040] In apreferred embodiment, markings 60 are formed using reflectivematerials that are capable of reflecting substantially all light thatshines onto the reflective materials. Examples include reflective paint,stickers, tape, or other reflective adhesives such as vinyl reflectivestrips made and sold by 3M Corporation. In this embodiment, thereflective materials permit a person to accurately read the markings atdistances up to about 50 feet or more in low or no light conditions whenthe person shines a light, e.g., a flashlight, on the markings 60.

[0041] As mentioned above, face 43 may be constructed out of anymaterial desired or necessary depending upon the application in whichthe diagnostic gauge 40 will be utilized. In one embodiment, top surface51 may include reflective materials as discussed above. In a preferredembodiment, face 43 includes a luminescent material evenly distributedalong top surface 51 of face 43. Alternatively, the luminescent materialmay be incorporated into the material used to form the top surface 51 offace 43. For example, face 43, and top surface 51, may be manufacturedusing a plastic extrusion process in which the luminescent material isincorporated into the plastic prior to extruding the plastic into theshape of face 43. In one embodiment, top surface 51 of face 43 is coatedwith a luminescent paint that is formed by combining NIGHTLIGHT20™luminescent powder with clear acrylic paint. The luminescent paint isdistributed evenly along top surface 51 by any method known to personsskilled in the art, e.g., spraying, or dipping, face 43 with, or into,the luminescent paint. In one embodiment, two parts luminescent powdercombined with five parts clear acrylic paint has been found to providethe desired results. As mentioned above, the luminescent materialpermits a person to read the industrial diagnostic gauge from distancesof at least about 10 feet without assistance from internal or externallight sources. Additionally, the luminescent material permits a personto determine the location of an industrial diagnostic gauge 40 in low orno light conditions from distances up to about 100 feet away. Thisfeature is beneficial in large industrial plants having numerousindustrial diagnostic gauges located throughout the plant at varyinglevels.

[0042] Hand 50 may also include at least one luminescent material and/orat least one reflective material. Hand 50 is operatively associated withdiagnostic member 42 at connection 54 which permits hand 50 to move asdiscussed above. In one embodiment, hand 50 includes two ends, anindicator end 55 and a balance end 56, disposed opposite of each otherrelative to connection 54. Indicator end 55 is used to read thediagnostic gauge 40. In one embodiment, indicator end 55 aligns with, orin close proximity with, at least one marking 60. Balance end 56 mayoffset the weight of indicator end 55, and thus, provide balance to hand50. Alternatively, balance end 56 may be operatively associated withdiagnostic member 42, i.e., connection 54 is located at balance end 56.In one embodiment, only indicator end 55 of hand 50 includes the atleast one luminescent material and/or at least one reflective material.In a preferred embodiment, the indicator end 55 of hand 50 includes atleast one reflective material, thereby permitting the position ofindicator end 55 of hand 50 to be easily determined by shining light,e.g., from a flashlight, on the indicator end 55. Accordingly,industrial diagnostic gauge 40 may be accurately read, from varyingdistances.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, industrial diagnostic gauge 40includes a face 43 having at least one luminescent material, at leastone marking 60 having at least one reflective material, and at least onehand 50 having at least one reflective material. In this preferredembodiment, face 43 contrasts sharply with the at least one marking 60and the at least one hand 50. Accordingly, industrial diagnostic gauge40 may be easily located, and accurately read, by a person.

[0044] Further, after the diagnostic gauge 40 is manufactured, noadditional maintenance to the face 43, markings 60, or hand 50 isrequired. Moreover, no additional wiring is required assist a person toaccurately read the industrial diagnostic gauge 40.

[0045] The industrial diagnostic gauges 40 of the present invention maybe manufacturing by applying at least one luminescent material to one ormore of face 43, marking 60, and/or hand 50. Face 43 is connected todiagnostic member 42 and hand 50 is operatively associated withdiagnostic member 42. Diagnostic member 42 is then disposed withinhousing 41. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, diagnostic member 42 isdisposed between housing 41 and clear window 45. Retaining ring 46 isthen connected to housing 41 using any method or device known to personsskilled in the art, e.g., screws, bolts, threaded connectors, etc., tocapture diagnostic member 42 and clear window 45 between housing 41 andretaining ring 46. Water or other liquid (not shown) may also bedisposed between face 43 of diagnostic member 42 and clear window 45.

[0046] Luminescent material may be applied to one or more of face 43,marking 60, and/or hand 50. Alternatively, reflective material may beapplied to one or more of face 43, marking 60, and/or hand 50. In apreferred embodiment, luminescent material is applied to face 43 andreflective material is applied to hand 50 and to marking 60 disposed onface 43. The luminescent material and the reflective material may beapplied in any manner known to persons skilled in the art of applyingthese materials. For example, the luminescent material and thereflective material may be applied as discussed in greater detail above.

[0047] It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to theexact details of construction, operation, exact materials, orembodiments shown and described, as obvious modifications andequivalents will be apparent to one skilled in the art. For example, thediagnostic gauge may include reflective materials associated only withone of either the hand, marking, or the face. Alternatively, thediagnostic gauge may include luminescent materials associated only withone of either the face, hand, or marking. In another embodiment, theluminescent materials and the reflective materials may be associatedwith the face, hand, and marking in any other combination thatfacilitates accurate reading of the industrial diagnostic gauge in lowor no light conditions from varying distances. In still anotherembodiment, hand may move in a horizontal or a vertical direction.Accordingly, the invention is therefore to be limited only by the scopeof the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. An industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: ahousing; a diagnostic member; a face, wherein the face includes at leastone luminescent material; and at least one hand operatively associatedwith the diagnostic member.
 2. The industrial diagnostic gauge of claim1, wherein the at least one hand includes at least one reflectivematerial.
 3. The industrial diagnostic gauge of claim 1, wherein theface includes at least one marking.
 4. The industrial diagnostic gaugeof claim 3, where the at least one marking includes at least onereflective material.
 5. The industrial diagnostic gauge of claim 4,wherein the at least one hand includes at least one reflective material.6. The industrial diagnostic gauge of claim 1, wherein the industrialdiagnostic gauge measures pressure.
 7. The industrial diagnostic gaugeof claim 1, wherein the industrial diagnostic gauge measurestemperature.
 8. An industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: a housing; adiagnostic member; a face having at least one marking, wherein the atleast one marking includes at least one reflective material; and atleast one hand operatively associated with the diagnostic member.
 9. Theindustrial diagnostic gauge of claim 8, wherein the at least one handincludes at least one reflective material.
 10. The industrial diagnosticgauge of claim 8, wherein the face includes at least one luminescentmaterial.
 11. The industrial diagnostic gauge of claim 8, wherein theindustrial diagnostic gauge measures pressure.
 12. The industrialdiagnostic gauge of claim 8, wherein the industrial diagnostic gaugemeasures temperature.
 13. An industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: ahousing; a diagnostic member; a face; and at least one hand operativelyassociated with the diagnostic member, wherein the at least one handincludes at least one reflective material.
 14. The industrial diagnosticgauge of claim 13, wherein the face includes at least one luminescentmaterial.
 15. The industrial diagnostic gauge of claim 13, wherein theindustrial diagnostic gauge measures pressure.
 16. The industrialdiagnostic gauge of claim 13, wherein the industrial diagnostic gaugemeasures temperature.
 17. An industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: ahousing; a diagnostic member; a face, wherein the face includes at leastone reflective material; and at least one hand operatively associatedwith the diagnostic member.
 18. An industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising: a housing; a diagnostic member; a face having at least onemarking, wherein the at least one marking includes at least oneluminescent material; and at least one hand operatively associated withthe diagnostic member.
 19. An industrial diagnostic gauge comprising: ahousing; a diagnostic member; a face; and at least one hand operativelyassociated with the diagnostic member, wherein the at least one handincludes at least one luminescent material.
 20. A method of reading anindustrial diagnostic gauge in low or no light conditions, comprisingthe steps of: providing an industrial diagnostic gauge having a housing,a diagnostic member, a face, and at least one hand, wherein the faceincludes at least one marking having at least one reflective material;reflecting light off of the at least one marking; identifying theposition of the at least one hand relative to the at least one marking.21. The method of claim 20, further comprising shining light onto the atleast one marking from a position located a distance away from theindustrial diagnostic gauge.
 22. A method of reading an industrialdiagnostic gauge in low or no light conditions, comprising the steps of:providing an industrial diagnostic gauge having a housing, a diagnosticmember, a face, and at least one hand, wherein the hand includes atleast one reflective material; reflecting light off of the at leasthand; identifying the position of the at least one hand.
 23. The methodof claim 22, further comprising shining light onto the at least one handfrom a position located a distance away from the industrial diagnosticgauge.
 24. A method of manufacturing an industrial diagnostic gaugecomprising the steps of: applying at least one reflective material to ahand of the industrial diagnostic gauge; connecting the hand to adiagnostic member; and disposing the diagnostic member and the handwithin a housing.